Former President Bush endorses McCain in Houston

Published 6:30 am, Monday, February 18, 2008

Former President Bush, center, endorses John McCain, far right, during a news conference today at Houston's Hobby Airport. At far left is Barbara Bush and to the left of McCain is McCain's wife Cindy.

Former President Bush, center, endorses John McCain, far right, during a news conference today at Houston's Hobby Airport. At far left is Barbara Bush and to the left of McCain is McCain's wife Cindy.

Photo: Sharon Steinmann, Chronicle

Former President Bush backs 'true conservative' McCain

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President's Day in Houston included this morning's endorsement by former President Bush of Republican presidential candidate John McCain as both tried to unite conservatives behind the Arizona senator who once portrayed himself as a GOP maverick.

The two former Navy aviators conducted a news conference at a commercial hangar at Hobby Airport as about six adults and six children waved signs across the street for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who also hopes to attract conservative backing for his underdog Republican candidacy in the March 4 Texas primary.

Bush praised McCain as a soldier for conservative causes who nevertheless can attract independent and Democratic votes and has the credentials to lead the nation during uncertain times in international politics. The former president also called McCain a "true conservative."

Besides, Bush said, "This criticism of conservative or not conservative is absurd."

The event echoed two statements Bush made in 1996. Bob Dole, then a Senate leader and frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, received Bush's backing in Houston. Months later, Bush denounced the conservative activists who refused to back Republican congressional candidate Dolly Madison McKenna of Houston because she wanted abortion to remain legal.

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"It's ridiculous, absolutely absurd," Bush said then, using a word he deployed today. "This issue. . . is not the issue that determines the election outcome."

Bush alienated some conservatives by going back on his no-new-taxes pledge during his presidency and McCain has angered right-wingers by supporting "earned citizenship" options for illegal immigrants as well as taking other stands outside of conservative convention.

"No one is better prepared to lead our nation at these trying times than Sen. John McCain," Bush said today. "His character was forged in the crucible of war. His commitment to America is beyond any doubt. But most importantly, he has the right values and experience to guide our nation forward at this historic moment."

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McCain responded, "I think that our effort to continue to unite the party will be enhanced dramatically by President Bush's words."

Houston oilman Bob Mosbacher, who served as the elder Bush's commerce secretary and raised campaign money for current President Bush, was present for today's announcement along with Texan Mark McKinnon, a TV advertising guru who worked for the current president and now is with the McCain campaign.

The current president also has praised McCain.

Of President George W. Bush, McCain said today, "I'd be honored to have (his) support, his endorsement. And I'd be honored to be anywhere with him under any circumstances."